Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

The inspectors excused themselves afterwards. Alaric invited them to a meal, but they tactfully refused, saying that they would immediately begin with the investigation.

Alaric watched them leave with a sigh. “I don’t want our citizens to experience this kind of pressure.”

Jaymund Felton, the senior inspector was only a Knight, but he would have to handle immense stress and pressure due to the corruption within their department.

“Lord Venerable, where there is money involved, people would be willing to do anything even if they have to step on other people. That’s just the reality of things.” William, the old Transcendent, remarked.

Alaric couldn’t refute him. He had seen it for himself in his past life. The depravity of his uncle and the fall of many noble houses due to corruption.

He might have changed the past, but many minor things were still developing as they did in his past life. He couldn’t change everything. He didn’t have the power to do so.

With a shake of his head, Alaric said. “I will go do my training. Inform me right away if there is any news about Nivis.”

“Yes, Lord Venerable.”

…

Somewhere in the capital, Nivis stood in front of a weapon shop with narrowed eyes.

I can smell a disgusting scent coming from that building. Without hesitation, she walked towards the shop.

“Hello, Miss! Are you here to look for some weapons?” A worker greeted her with a smile.

Nivis frowned and waved her hand with undisguised contempt. “I can take care of my own business. I don’t need your help.”

The man didn’t expect her to show him such contempt and it made him feel embarrassed. “My apologies. If you need anything, just let me know. I will be at the-”

Nivis ignored him and walked away, leaving a fragrant scent in the air.

Annoying! Why did I have to do something like this? I shouldn’t have left Alaric’s side.

She regretted her impulsive decision. She wanted to return, but her pride didn’t allow her to go back without anything. She had already boasted in front of Alaric so she could only force herself to continue with the investigation.

It should be here somewhere…

She followed the strong scent and found herself standing in front of a wall.

Strange… the scent came from here. Is there a hidden door somewhere?

She looked around, but she couldn’t find anything unusual.

“Miss, there is nothing to see here. Do you want me to help you find what you’re looking for?” A voice echoed behind her.

She turned around and saw a middle-aged man dressed in silk clothes. Based on his appearance, Nivis guessed that he was the owner or at least the manager of the store.

However, there was something about this man that made her subconsciously cover her nose.

It was his scent. He had a strong smell of blood lingering in his body.

It’s him! He should know something!

Just as she was about to say something, she sensed two familiar auras entering the shop.

“Miss Nivis, the Lord Venerable is looking for you.”

She turned her head and saw Butch, the masked Transcendent Knight, and Einar who stood nonchalantly next to him.

Lord Venerable?

The middle-aged man in silk clothes was taken aback when he heard this. He didn’t expect this beautiful woman to have an impressive background. He thought that she was just a foreigner who came here to tour Sorl.

He looked at the two newcomers and smiled kindly as he probed. “Are you visitors from Astania?”

Butch glanced at him, but looked away without any intention of responding.

Meanwhile, Einar just chuckled and shook his head.

“Fine. Let’s go.” Nivis snorted and stormed out of the shop.

The two Transcendent Knights quickly chased after her.

The middle-aged man watched them leave with a deep frown.

I need to report this to the higher-ups.

…

Nivis later arrived at the mansion, looking incredibly displeased and annoyed.

She went straight to the training ground to find Alaric.

“Hey!” She called out with a frown.

Hearing her voice, Alaric paused his training and looked at her.

“What happened? Why do you look so pissed?” He asked with a smile.

Nivis walked towards him and complained. “I was this close to discovering something, but you sent two idiots to pick me up. Now, that guy might erase all the tracks so going back there would be useless.”

Alaric raised an eyebrow in surprise, not expecting her to find something so soon.

“What did you discover?” He asked curiously.

Nivis crossed her arms and explained everything.

Alaric sent her a stern look. “You mean you sensed a disgusting scent from the shop so you entered without a careful plan?”

He didn’t doubt her abilities. She was a Catastrophe-grade beast who was close to advancing to the next realm. Whatever she sensed there might be related to the heretic cult.

“It could have been dangerous for you to go there alone.” He added.

Nivis scoffed with a disdainful laugh. “What could those little bugs do to me? Even if I only use one finger, they wouldn’t be able to stop me.”

Alaric was speechless at her arrogance. “Nivis, you might be strong, but we don’t know what kind of people there are in the heretic cult. They might even be hiding a Venerable. At your current state, can you handle a Venerable on your own?”

Nivis had been with him for quite some time so she knew what a Venerable was. “Listen here, Alaric…”

“A Venerable is nothing to me.” She emphasized it word by word.

Black lines appeared on Alaric’s forehead. His warnings proved to be ineffective.

He rubbed his temples and said with a helpless look. “Just don’t leave on your own. We will move as a group from now on.”

“Fine.” Nivis shrugged.

Alaric shook his head and sighed. “You should get some rest. I will call you when it’s time to leave.”

“I don’t need to rest. I’ll just stay here and watch you train.” The centauress didn’t wait for his response and went to find a spot to sit.

My blood pressure… Alaric took a deep breath to calm his mind.